A review by contemptment
Playground by Aron Beauregard

challenging dark sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

If you can get past the uncomfortably long and weird
incestuous poop masturbation
scene, the endless violence and bloodshed that the children in this book endure, as well as Beauregard’s nauseatingly detailed description of old lady vagina (that I will never be able to get out of my head by the way, thanks Aron!), you will find a book that is about the effects of prolonged trauma and the constant itching fantasy of breaking free from the metaphorical leash that abusers tie to the necks of their victims. In my opinion this book was never about the children, but rather Rock, the stoic, muscly man who deeply fears the decrepit old woman who has abused him in every way possible his entire life. The way Beauregard describes Rock’s thoughts on his abusive situation were so relatable to me, despite having a completely different situation. It honestly made me wonder if the author had trauma of his own. Rock was honestly the best character I have seen in a book as graphic and over the top as this one. 
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